The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers begins tomorrow, (Friday 21st September and continues through to Sunday 30th September) This event is an extravaganza of colourful gardens, food and wine, competitions, music, demonstrations and all things creative. There is absolutely something for every member of the family. Find out more at www.tcof.com.au

To join in the celebrations, the Toowoomba Wordsmiths are having a stall in the grounds of St Lukes, which is situated on the corner of Herries and Ruthven street on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd.  Visitors have the opportunity to purchase copies of members books and enjoy a chat with some of the authors. Hope we see some of you there.

A little History of the Carnival of Flowers

Since its inception in 1949, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has flourished and, is now, a truly Queensland event.

The brainchild of Essex Tait and the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce, Carnival was introduced as a way for the city to use their “Garden City” reputation to promote increased economic activity following the recent hardships of war.

On October 21, 1950 the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers commenced with a street procession that stretched three miles in length. Led by a bullock team and watched by a crowd estimated to be 50,000 strong, the Parade was a resounding success. The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers subsequently became firmly cemented as an annual event in the region’s community calendar.

As the years passed, Carnival’s appeal widened, attracting tourists from across Queensland, interstate and internationally.

Queens Park Gardens
During September we see Toowoomba’s majestic public parks and gardens reach their peak. Toowoomba Regional Council gardeners are hard at work from April each year to ensure that the City’s blooms and garden beds provide a burst of colour and seasonal scents right on cue for the first week of Carnival. This annual effort is concentrated on three of the City’s prized parks – Queens Park Gardens, Laurel Bank Park and Picnic Point. Considered Toowoomba’s centrepiece, Queens Park Gardens in Lindsay Street offers unparalleled botanic beauty. A combination of grand old trees, rose and parterre gardens, woodland and wide open spaces make Queens Park an oasis in the heart of the city.

Laurel Bank Park
Laurel Bank Park in Herries Street presents a splendid display of beautiful blooms, exotic scented gardens, herbs and shrubs in raised garden beds. Visitors are invited to take in the subtle perfumes as they walk by, or sit and absorb the atmosphere. Playground equipment and a charming gazebo complete the park.

Picnic Point
Toowoomba’s pinnacle, Picnic Point is located on Tourist Road nestled atop the Great Dividing Range. With stunning vistas overlooking the sprawling Lockyer Valley, Picnic Point features glorious gardens, natural bushland and breathtaking views. Make a point of visiting this panoramic parkland.

www.tcof.com.au